What happened
On March 23, 2013, a Beechcraft 95-B55, registration PT-KIL, was operating a scheduled air taxi flight from Tefé, Amazonas, to Fonte Boa, Amazonas. The aircraft was carrying two crew members and two passengers. During the approach to the Fonte Boa Aerodrome (SWOB), the crew encountered a failure in the landing gear extension mechanism.
Despite attempts to extend the gear using both the normal and emergency systems, the gear failed to lock down. The crew performed several maneuvers near the aerodrome for approximately 40 minutes in an attempt to resolve the issue. After verifying that only the nose gear and the left main gear were locked, the pilot proceeded with the landing. To mitigate the impact, the pilot shut down the right engine prior to touchdown. The aircraft landed with the right main gear retracted, causing the right wing underside and the right propeller blades to strike the runway surface.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA VII focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear system. Investigators examined the aircraft's components and identified a fracture in the Main Gear Retracts Rods, which is responsible for the actuation of the right landing gear. This breakage prevented the gear from reaching its fully extended and locked position.
As part of the investigation, a review of similar occurrences involving this aircraft model was conducted. This included a reference to a previous incident involving aircraft PT-CMT in December 2010, which had documented similar landing gear actuation issues and provided detailed analysis regarding the contributing factors for component failure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure of the Main Gear Retracts Rods, which prevented the right main gear from extending.
- The crew was qualified, and all necessary medical and technical certifications for the pilots were valid.
- The aircraft was in compliance with airworthiness and registration requirements and was within weight and balance limits.
- The occupants of the aircraft, totaling four people, were all uninjured.